subject: Iphone Application Development Through Sdk [print this page] iPhone developers have found a way to use Windows based iPhone development, but must remain within Apple's proprietary guidelines. iPhone developers are required to use the iPhone SDK and only install on Mac OS as per the licensing agreement. Cross compilers are forbidden in the Apple world and the SDK APIs have to be used in the way Apple has outlined.Outsourced developers must write apps for iPhone using C, C++, JavaScript or Objective-C. There are no provisions for other types of language.
Outsourced iPhone application development and iPhone application developers
Zimusoft a Texas based company that is known for its simulation technology, has introduced Dragon Fire SDK, which offers a cross platform support for C/C++ and an iPhone simulator. These technologies facilitate iPhone development to proceed in a Windows based media. DragonFireSDK targets game developers for Smartphones and an enterprise edition has been available since fall of 2010.
iPhone development and outsourced developers
DragonFireSDX uses Apple's requirements to write their applications by packaging applications and instructions and handling their submissions to Apple's App Store on behalf of its customers. After customers acquire the DragonFireSCX, developers may submit their application to Zimusoft who will do further testing and developing on Windows. Generally Apple developers place high restrictions on outside app developers, but Apple is working with Zimusoft and allowing the outside developer to work with customers on the SDK app.
Pricing for the outsourced Apple developed app
This particular application allows iPhone development team to write anything with the SDK, but the tool is truly meant for developing games. The price for DragonFireSDK is US$99 and does include on iTunes app on a bundling option. If iPhone developers want more bundles, the price is US$10 each. Drag and drop the app into iTunes to install on devices.
DragonFireSDK allows iPhone app developers to work and debug the app. The iPhone Simulator is built into the App when developing on Windows and developers can debug code and watch it run. If developers need to upgrade for additional code, the Ultimate is US$99. DragonFire has also published API documentation viewable online before purchasing. DragonFire simplifies game development and is a C API rather than C++. Outsourced developers focused on games claim the DragonFire app are exceptionally well advanced.
Game outsourced development for iPhone games
The basic framework for developing games includes using DragonFire AppMain for the game code initialization code, AppExit when terminating the game (so playing time and scores can save), and OnTime which is the game loop. DragonFire also uses a reduced set of iPhone OS API calls. There is no networking or URL fetching at this time, so multiplayer games are not offered. App developers should "fix" this problem with the next release.
Current DragonFire developed games for iPhone
The number one selling children's game in Germany and Austria (Little Train) was developed using DragonFireSDK. This game can be downloaded through Apple (iTunes) and also through Zimusoft.
Offshore iPhone app developers
Zimusoft is advertising for offshore developers to learn how easy and fast DragonFireSDK can develop game apps "just as it if were created on a Mac". Zimusoft is also requesting that an outside developer become a published Zimusoft developer and begin evolving apps for more than just iPhones.
